2013 Oscar nominees: Where they started

January 24, 2013 12:10 AM

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This year's nominees for acting Oscars are an interesting group. Some are relative newcomers; others are veteran actors. Most got their start in TV and small movies. Because everyone has to start somewhere, here's a look at how they began their careers. Jennifer Lawrence, nominated for her work in 'Silver Linings Playbook,' got her start in TV. less

This year's nominees for acting Oscars are an interesting group. Some are relative newcomers; others are veteran actors. Most got their start in TV and small movies. Because everyone has to start somewhere, ... more

Photo: Jeff Vespa, Getty Images

This year's nominees for acting Oscars are an interesting... Photo-4057570.55405 - GreenwichTime

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Jennifer Lawrence's first big role was in 2007, on the 'The Bill Engvall Show.' She's pictured with co-star Engvall in 2008.

Jennifer Lawrence's first big role was in 2007, on the 'The Bill Engvall Show.' She's pictured with co-star Engvall in 2008.

Photo: Stephen Shugerman, Getty Images

Jennifer Lawrence's first big role was in 2007, on the... Photo-4057577.55405 - GreenwichTime

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Jennifer Lawrence (right) in 2007, at the random event of actor Tyler Neitzel's 16th birthday party. (Neitzel is second from right). In 2011, Lawrence was also nominated for an Oscar for 'Winter's Bone.'

Jennifer Lawrence (right) in 2007, at the random event of actor Tyler Neitzel's 16th birthday party. (Neitzel is second from right). In 2011, Lawrence was also nominated for an Oscar for 'Winter's Bone.'

Joaquin Phoenix (front, right) followed his siblings into acting and started as a child. He's pictured in an 1984 episode of 'Murder, She Wrote' with Angela Lansbury (back, right) and his sister Summer Phoenix (front, left). less

Joaquin Phoenix (front, right) followed his siblings into acting and started as a child. He's pictured in an 1984 episode of 'Murder, She Wrote' with Angela Lansbury (back, right) and his sister Summer Phoenix ... more

Joaquin Phoenix (right) had a breakthrough role in 1995 in 'To Die For' with Nicole Kidman, before starring in blockbusters 'Gladiator' and 'Walk the Line.' He's pictured in 1998's 'Clay Pigeons' with Vince Vaughn. less

Joaquin Phoenix (right) had a breakthrough role in 1995 in 'To Die For' with Nicole Kidman, before starring in blockbusters 'Gladiator' and 'Walk the Line.' He's pictured in 1998's 'Clay Pigeons' with Vince ... more

Photo: Getty Images

Joaquin Phoenix (right) had a breakthrough role in 1995 in 'To... Photo-4057580.55405 - GreenwichTime

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Joaquin Phoenix in 2012. He's been nominated for his movie 'The Master.'

Joaquin Phoenix in 2012. He's been nominated for his movie 'The Master.'

Photo: Jason Merritt, Getty Images

Joaquin Phoenix in 2012. He's been nominated for his movie... Photo-4057581.55405 - GreenwichTime

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Before Jessica Chastain (left) was nominated for 'Zero Dark Thirty,' she was folding laundry in a 2004 episode of 'Veronica Mars' with Kristen Bell (right).

Before Jessica Chastain (left) was nominated for 'Zero Dark Thirty,' she was folding laundry in a 2004 episode of 'Veronica Mars' with Kristen Bell (right).

Quvenzhane Wallis is up for an Oscar for her work in 'Beasts of the Southern Wild.'

Quvenzhane Wallis is up for an Oscar for her work in 'Beasts of the Southern Wild.'

Photo: Paul A. Hebert

Quvenzhane Wallis is up for an Oscar for her work in 'Beasts... Photo-4057606.55405 - GreenwichTime

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Alan Arkin is another great actor who's been around for decades. He was in a string of movies in the '70s, including the 'In-Laws.' Then he made 'Little Miss Sunshine' and became everyone's favorite cranky old guy. He's pictured in 1967, in the TV show, 'ABC Stage 67.' less

Alan Arkin is another great actor who's been around for decades. He was in a string of movies in the '70s, including the 'In-Laws.' Then he made 'Little Miss Sunshine' and became everyone's favorite cranky old ... more

Alan Arkin is another great actor who's been around for... Photo-4079151.55405 - GreenwichTime